Matthias Bluebaum shared his thoughts on Team Germany’s chances at the 46th Chess Olympiad. Bluebaum says his team has chances for victory, and notes that Germany is around top 5 in strength at the event.

Matthias Bluebaum

Matthias Bluebaum

Germany's No. 2

“We have a strong team. If we manage to have everyone in good form, I think almost anything is possible.

But it always depends a bit on the form of the players, and also on how the first rounds and the pairings go. But I hope we can fight for a medal.

Of course, we are not favorites for the medals. I think Uzbekistan, USA, India, and China are nominally stronger, but we are right behind them.

So, if everything goes well, I think there are chances for a medal, but everything really has to come together.

You cannot plan that in advance. We are, so to speak, not favorites, but we have a very good team, and that should be our goal either way. It would be great to win!”

At the 2024 edition of the Olympiad, the Germany team finished 7th. Frederik Svane received an individual gold medal for his performance on board five in 2024. Germany won the Olympiad in 1939, and finished 3rd in 1930 and 1950.

The Chess Olympiad is a prestigious national team competition. The event is held every two years and organized by FIDE. The 2026 event will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 28.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE